Pebbles
Pebbles are quadrant I items. They’re not quite as important as your rocks in the larger scheme of things, but they’re urgent. I think it’s easy to confuse rocks with pebbles because it takes some practice and fortitude to schedule writing a chapter of your book ahead of responding to a client’s latest request.
One thing I like about this analogy is its graphicness. If you find yourself reluctant to put rocks into the jar because your pockets are bulging with pebbles, it may mean that you are letting others manage your time for you. I don’t advocate blowing off your clients so you can get that book finished. But I know there are people (the self employed are particularly prone to this) who cater to their client’s every whim, rather than setting realistic expectations, deadlines and roles. They grow to resent their clients for taking up all their time, and they’re irritated that they never get to that book chapter.
Tomorrow: Sand.
Comment Preview